Senior Philanthropy Director - Seattle, WA

ABOUT SUSTAINABLE NORTHWEST

Sustainable Northwest forges natural resource solutions that are good for nature, people, and local economies. We partner with rural communities and Tribal Nations throughout the Northwest on projects that promote smart water use, clean energy, and healthy forests, farms, and ranches.

Our solutions are as unique as the problems we solve and include entrepreneurship, policy, market innovations, public or private investment, collaboration, and technical assistance - but the ultimate success of our work is based on relationships, trust, and inclusion.

Sustainable Northwest was founded in 1994 to forge collaborative solutions for conserving forest and community health. Today, our challenges have multiplied with climate change, catastrophic wildfires, and persistent drought plaguing our region. Yet we remain optimistic that nature, people, and local economies can thrive together.

BENEFITS

Sustainable Northwest offers a generous benefits package supporting employee wellness with medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance; three to six weeks PTO (dependent on length of tenure), sick time, 11 federal holidays, and additional paid leave during year-end office closure December 26-31; 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions; cell phone stipend; transit stipend for Portland metro residents; office stipend for satellite employees; pre-tax spending plan for medical and/or dependent care; support for professional training; and flexible daily and weekly work schedules.

Support, accommodation, and funding will be provided for regular travel to the Portland office for in-person engagement, to coordinate with team and staff, and to ensure alignment with organizational mission and priorities.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Sustainable Northwest is seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial Philanthropy Director to grow its fundraising program. This is a high-impact role for a seasoned fundraising professional who thrives on building relationships, crafting compelling cases for support, and closing unrestricted gifts. Our role requires a high degree of independence and personal initiative.

This position is the primary driver of philanthropic revenue for Sustainable Northwest and will help to shape organization-wide fundraising strategy. Based in the Seattle metro area, the position will also serve as a lead for philanthropic engagement in the Puget Sound region and across Washington state. The Philanthropy Director will report to the President (based in Portland), supervise the Development Manager (based in Portland), and work in close collaboration with program and communications staff.

This role is ideal for someone who is genuinely self-motivated and self-directed - someone who sets their own pace, builds their own pipeline, and brings both strategic vision and hands-on execution to the work of philanthropy and conservation in the Pacific Northwest.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

Philanthropic Leadership (20%)

• Develop and lead implementation of a comprehensive philanthropic strategy that grows an increasingly larger base of donors and prospects with a strong emphasis on unrestricted revenue.
• Set annual and multi-year philanthropic goals in partnership with the President; track and report on progress regularly.
• Identify, research, and prioritize new unrestricted funding opportunities across individual, corporate, and foundation channels.
• Serve as a senior advisor to the President, Board, and Staff on philanthropic trends, donor engagement strategy, and campaign planning.
• Collaborate with the President and members of the Board to identify prospective board members who will enhance the capabilities of the organization.
• Manage, guide, and professionally develop the Development Manager.

Major Gifts & High Net Worth Individuals (50%)

• Cultivate and steward a personal portfolio of major and principal gift donors, with a focus on individuals capable of making gifts of $10,000 and above.
• Develop engagement strategies for major donors, including moves management plans, touchpoints, and gift proposals tailored to donor interests.
• Build relationships with high-net-worth individuals who are aligned with Sustainable Northwest's mission and values.
• Represent Sustainable Northwest at donor events, community gatherings, and networking opportunities across Washington state, with primary focus on the greater King County area and Puget Sound region.
• Curate donor cultivation experiences with key donors and staff.

Corporate Philanthropy & Partnerships (20%)

• Collaborate with Development Manager and President to design and implement a corporate giving program that expands Sustainable Northwest's relationships with Washington-based businesses, including technology companies, financial institutions, outdoor industry brands, and natural resource sectors.
• Identify corporate partners whose values and priorities align with Sustainable Northwest's work; develop compelling partnership proposals and sponsorship opportunities.
• Negotiate and steward corporate partnerships, ensuring high-quality recognition, reporting, and relationship management.
• Work with the conservation and communications teams to develop corporate engagement opportunities such as site visits, events, and co-branded initiatives.

Management and collaboration (10%)

• Oversee Development Manager's execution of strategic philanthropic goals and activities, including but not limited to donor portfolio management, outreach and acknowledgment, gift processing, database management, donor records, annual giving, and legacy giving.
• Collaborate with the Development Manager, communications team, and President on compelling donor-facing materials, case statements, annual appeals, impact reports, digital fundraising content, and fundraising events.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS

• Experience in or strong passion for conservation, natural resources, environment, working lands and or related fields.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in nonprofit development, with at least 3 years in a fundraising leadership role.
• A documented track record of growing organizational revenue by 30% over a multi-year period through demonstrated success in major gifts, foundation relations, or corporate partnerships.
• Minimum 2 years experience managing staff and colleagues to successfully meet fundraising and revenue goals.
• Proven track record of personally soliciting and closing five- and six-figure unrestricted gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations in Washington state.
• Ability to coach and activate a Board of Directors, moving them to active solicitors.
• Experience creating and executing multi-year development plans that balance diverse revenue streams (Individual, Corporate, Foundation).
• Existing relationships with Washington's philanthropic community and professional networks, with a focus on King County.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills; able to connect authentically with diverse stakeholders, including high-impact donors and corporate executives.
• Highly self-directed and entrepreneurial; able to manage a complex portfolio and set priorities with minimal supervision.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with donor database systems and comfort working with data to inform strategy.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) credential or an advanced degree (MBA or Master's in nonprofit leadership preferred).
• Experience leading or playing a key role in a comprehensive growth campaign.
• Familiarity with complex gift vehicles, including planned giving.
• Proficiency in using Generative AI for automated prospect research and predictive wealth screening.

PLEASE NOTE

The skills and experience listed above are what we believe is necessary to succeed in this position. However, we encourage all interested applicants to apply even if your skills are not a match with all requested qualifications. Please, underscore applicable skills unique to you in your cover letter.

Sustainable Northwest is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of an applicant or employee's race or ethnicity, national origin; gender, gender identity or sexual orientation; religion or creed; age, ability, or other legally protected status.

TO APPLY

To apply, please email a single PDF cover letter, resume, and brief writing sample (e.g., a donor proposal or case for support) with "Philanthropy Director" in the subject line to: Dassi Owens, dowens@sustainablenorthwest.org

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The position will remain open until filled.

The interview process will include 1-2 virtual interviews and one in-person interview at our Portland headquarters. Interview questions will be provided in advance. Reimbursement available for reasonable and necessary travel expenses incurred during final in-person interviews.

References will be requested of finalist candidates.